Degrading: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when something reduces someone's dignity or value, often making them feel less respected.

• The unfair treatment of employees was degrading
• He found the comments about his appearance degrading

Use when something causes a person to feel deeply embarrassed or ashamed, often in a public way. Often carries a strong negative connotation.

• Forgetting his lines on stage was humiliating
• Being scolded in front of the whole class was a humiliating experience

Use to describe actions or words that show a lack of respect or courtesy towards someone, often considered rude.

• Interrupting someone while they speak is disrespectful
• His sarcastic tone was disrespectful to the teacher

Use when something causes someone to lose their respect or status, often implying a sense of shame or indignity.

• Doing menial tasks all day was demeaning for her
• The boss's constant criticism was demeaning

Used when describing something that lowers someone's dignity or self-worth.

• The bullying behavior of the students was degrading to the new kid.
• Working in such poor conditions is degrading for the workers.

Used when talking about reducing the quality or value of something, often morally or intellectually.

• The company debased its brand by using inferior materials.
• Many believe that reality TV shows debase culture.

Used when something loses its value or worth, often financially or in terms of reputation.

• The economic crisis has devalued the national currency.
• Frequent scandals have devalued the public's trust in the government.

Used in situations where someone's status or reputation is lowered, often by humiliating actions. Has a strong negative connotation.

• He demeaned himself by begging for a job.
• Her boss consistently spoke to her in a demeaning manner.